Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) of Rochester (N.Y.) collection

The Y.M.C.A. of Rochester, New York was originally founded on March 17, 1854. Public meetings were held in the Common Council chambers and officers were elected. The first President was Reverend A.B. Atkins. The organization held Morning Prayer meetings, lectures, and access to a small religious library. Membership consisted of young men under 40 years old and in good standing with the Evangelical churches. The annual dues were one dollar. Young men of good moral character were welcome as well and received the same benefits but they could not hold office or vote. The original organization lasted less than two years and had three presidents; Rev. A.B. Atkins, Professor N.W. Benedict, and Reverend Yates Hickey. The organization rented a room out of Corinthian Hall. The organization failed because they were unable to raise enough funds.

Eight years later in 1863, there was another attempt to organize. This attempt lasted three and a half years and also went through three presidents; George W. Parsons, R.H. Rochester, and William R. Seward. A third attempt to organize in 1869 also failed. It wasn’t until 1875 that the “permanent” Y.M.C.A. was established.

In 1875, the Y.M.C.A. consisted of a reading room, a social room, an assembly room that seated 100, and a small prayer room. The organization expanded through the 1880’s and began to offer classes, activities, other services. In 1878, a Ladies Auxiliary was formed. As the Y.M.C.A. expanded, the need for a new permanent building became evident. After a long capital campaign, the first corner stone was laid in 1889. The new building consisted of a gymnasium, pool, baths, lockers, activity rooms, library, and eventually dormitories.

In 1890, a change was made to the constitution that removed the separate active and associate memberships to include all men of good moral character. The constitutional change also added a junior membership for boys under 16 years old. By 1890 there were four branches of the Y.M.C.A.; the College Y, Railroad Y, Boys Division, and the regular City Y. Through the depression of the 1890’s, the Y.M.C.A. branches assisted young men with trade groups and contacts, entertainment (so the unemployed weren’t roaming the streets), and classes in practical trades were offered.

Throughout the years, the Y.M.C.A has grown to add summer camps, athletic competitions, swim lessons, personal training, leadership development, and child care. The Y.M.C.A. has changed its focus from helping the young men of Rochester to include women and families. The Y focuses on overall health and wellness for all. According to their mission statement, the Y is in our community to give everyone an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. They work side-by-side with neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has access to Y programs that make people healthy, confident, and connected. There are currently 13 branches in the Rochester area.